Charles John Woods

Story:
Charles John Woods was born in Shaftesbury, Dorset, on 22nd March 1875 and baptised at St. Rumbold's Church, Cann, Shaftesbury, on 14th April 1875, the son of James John Woods and Sarah Ann Woods (née Oxford).  Charles spent all his life, apart from Military Service, in and around Shaftesbury.  His father died in 1880 and his mother later re-married Samuel Gray.  Charles enlisted with the 3rd Battalion of Dorsetshire Regiment on 2nd October 1890 and joined the Reserves (Service No. 1804).  He married Harriet Pickford at Holy Trinity Church, Shaftesbury, on 31st October 1897 and they went on to have eight children.  Charles however at times was less than supportive of his family and served a short prison sentence in 1914 due to his neglect.  He was mobilized and re-joined the 6th Battalion of the Dorsetshire Regiment as a Private (Service No. 3/7869).  He served in France and Flanders and was discharged on 28th February 1919.  He was awarded the Victory and British War medals as well as the 1915 Star.

Charles's sons, John Charles (b.1900) and Reginald James (b.1898) also served in the conflict, with the Royal Warwickshire Regiment and South Wales Borderers respectively.  Following the war the family were back together again living at 45 St. James Street, Shaftesbury.  By the time of the 1939 Register Charles and Harriet were still at 45 St. James Street, and he was working as a General Labourer.  He died in Shaftesbury on 24th December 1960 and was buried shortly after at St. James' Church.